Juan Cruz Yacopini and Dani Oliveras have claimed their first victory in the Jordan Baja after team-mates Yazeed Al-Rajhi and Timo Gottschalk retired after a heavy crash. The Argentinians also take the lead in the FIA World Baja Cup standings.
Al-Rajhi started as the leader on Saturday but crashed hard into a sandpit just before the finish of the second stage. Both occupants suffered back injuries and were taken to hospital by helicopter. Tests revealed that they both suffered broken vertebrae.
“It was my first time in Jordan, and it was a win. It was tough, but we stayed focused. Proud of this result,” said Yacopini.
Al-Balooshi takes fifth bike win
Mohammed Al-Balooshi (Husqvarna) was once again the strongest of the bikes and took his fifth victory in Jordan, ahead of team-mate Rafic Eid and German Philip Horlemann. All three stopped along the way after Al-Rajhi’s incident, but were compensated for their time.
“I’m still in shape and learning every time. This victory means a lot,” said Al-Balooshi.
Class winners
Challenger: Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari took advantage of teammate Al-Attiyah’s punctures to finish second overall.
SSV: Hamza Bakhashab rode strongly to finish fifth overall, also winning the Junior classification.
Stock: Abdullah Al-Rabban kept his Nissan intact to take the win in this category.
Miroslav Zapletal finished fourth and was best Masters driver. Martin Kaczmarski, second after day 1, retired with suspension damage.
In the motorcycles, Abdullah Abu Aisheh and Thomas Childs finished in the top five. Abdullah Al-Bataynah won the Junior category. Local driver Hamdan Al-Ali retired after a heavy fall.
